Oman Air announced the launch of a new direct service between Dubai and Salalah, commencing 3 July 2026. Operating three times per week year-round, the route will further strengthen connectivity to the Dhofar Governorate while expanding travel options for both residents and international visitors in time for khareef season. The introduction of the service reflects growing demand between Salalah and Dubai and underscores Oman Air’s continued commitment to enhancing domestic connectivity and strengthening regional corridors across the GCC. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “The launch of our Dubai-Salalah service highlights our strategic commitment to strengthening regional connectivity in line with Oman’s national priorities. Demand for access to and from Salalah continues to grow and we are adding capacity where we’re able to, providing more choices for travel while actively supporting tourism growth and economic activity in the Governorate. Oman Air remains a key enabler of connectivity and economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.” Continuing to serve Oman’s most popular destinations with a focus on frequency and reliability, Oman Air has consistently increased capacity in response to rising demand. In January 2026, available seats to Salalah increased by 20% compared to the previous year. During the 2025 khareef season, capacity was increased by 15%, enabling greater access for visitors during the peak tourism period. The airline also recently launched its first direct Moscow–Salalah charter service, targeting the growing Russian leisure market and expected to bring more than 7,000 visitors to the Governorate, providing a meaningful boost to tour operators and local businesses. Further schedule enhancements, including expanded services during Ramadan, will continue to provide guests with increased flexibility and travel options throughout the year.

China Visitors Summit, the world’s leading workshop and meeting platform for Chinese outbound travel, returns to Abu Dhabi on 13 and 14 May 2026, hosted at Rotana Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. This year’s Abu Dhabi edition will welcome 100 carefully selected Chinese travel industry buyers from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Delegates include travel agents and tour operators, luxury agencies, MICE managers, corporate and business travel planners, OTA representatives, and specialized resellers focused on adventure, history, culinary tourism, and family travel. China has become the world’s largest source market for global tourism. In 2025, nearly 180 million Chinese travelers journeyed abroad, spending approximately US$230 billion worldwide. With nearly 200 million passport holders and over 21 million first-time passport issuances last year alone, the Chinese outbound market represents one of the most significant growth opportunities for destinations worldwide. Alexander Glos, CEO of China i2i Group, commented: “Abu Dhabi has evolved into one of the most culturally compelling destinations in the region. The CVS provides a structured and commercially focused gateway for Abu Dhabi suppliers to connect directly with qualified Chinese outbound buyers. With Chinese global travel expanding rapidly, those who invest in relationship-building today will benefit from sustained inbound growth in the years ahead.” At the core of the CVS are two intensive workshop days, during which Abu Dhabi-based travel suppliers — including hotels, museums, attractions, retailers, destination management companies, and transportation firms — will meet directly with these Chinese buyers through structured, pre-confirmed appointments. The format allows suppliers to present their products and services while highlighting the unique experiences available across the Emirate. For Abu Dhabi — with its strong positioning in family travel, arts and culture, heritage, and …

Travelwings.com clenched the title ‘Leading Online Travel Enterprise in the region’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “We feel truly humbled. We started this brand with passion and a vision to transform emerging markets in the e-commerce travel space. This award reflects the trust our customers place in us. Going forward, we are expanding into emerging markets, particularly across Africa, transforming consumer behaviour from brick-and-mortar to online travel, creating new job opportunities, and building a lasting legacy.” Albert Fernando – CEO – Travelwings

InterContinental Hotels Group’s luxury lifestyle brand, Vignette Collection, has unveiled the new D_Jungle Pool Villas at Dinso Resort and Villas in Phuket, marking a significant addition to its bespoke global portfolio. The villas emphasise privacy, personalisation and spacious multi-bedroom layouts—much like some of the key preferences for the Middle Eastern region’s luxury segment. Perched on a lush hillside in Patong, the duplex villas showcase sustainable design using reclaimed railway timber, locally sourced materials and Dinso’s signature clay-plaster interiors. Each residence features a private pool, secluded terrace and dedicated 24-hour butler service, blending eco-conscious living with high-touch hospitality. Guests also have access to a dramatic waterfall swimming pool with a swim-up bar, creating a vibrant social hub alongside the villas’ secluded ambiance. Accommodation ranges from one-bedroom retreats (120 sqm) to expansive four-bedroom residences (350 sqm) tailored for families and group travel. Larger villas include outdoor entertainment terraces with bar corners, fire pits, volcanic stone bathtubs and private theatre rooms, reinforcing the brand’s focus on experiential luxury. The launch strengthens Phuket’s positioning as a preferred destination for GCC travellers while highlighting Vignette Collection’s strategy of delivering culturally attuned, design-led boutique stays in high-demand leisure markets.

The grand finale of the Emaar Polo Cup 2026 unfolded as a dazzling fusion of elite sport and elevated lifestyle at the iconic Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, where championship intensity met curated luxury in every detail. On the field, Bin Drai narrowly defeated Jehangiri in a thrilling 7–6.5 victory, delivering a gripping display of precision, pace and horsemanship. The match showcased the very best of medium-goal polo, keeping a packed audience of VIPs, families and polo aficionados on edge until the final chukker. Yet finals day extended far beyond the scoreboard. Guests arrived to an impressive showcase of modern luxury vehicles alongside impeccably restored vintage classics, transforming the club grounds into an open-air automotive gallery. Inside the hospitality lounges, freshly shucked oysters, premium caviar selections and exotic drinks set a refined culinary tone, while live musical performances created a vibrant social rhythm throughout the afternoon. An elegant exhibition of luxury watches attracted collectors and connoisseurs, while contemporary fashion activations, including beautifully crafted abayas blended heritage with modern design. The event, powered by The Luxury Network, radiated exclusivity and effortless glamour, reinforcing its position as one of the most anticipated fixtures on the UAE’s social calendar. “The Championship Final between Bin Drai and Jehangiri truly reflected the elevated standard of polo we continue to witness in the UAE,” said Shokry Abouelsoud, General Manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. “Beyond the sport itself, finals day has evolved into a complete lifestyle experience, bringing together elegance, community and world-class entertainment in one extraordinary setting.” Khalid Essa Alyassi, Director of Emaar Leisure Club, added, “Emaar is proud to support an event that seamlessly blends sporting excellence with luxury and heritage. The atmosphere during the …

IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with JADEER GROUP for Hotel Indigo Cairo New Administrative Capital, further expanding the company’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Egypt. The 140-key hotel will be located within a mixed-use development in the New Capital in the east of Cairo and is scheduled to open in 2033. Hotel Indigo Cairo New Administrative Capital will be well positioned to serve the area’s growing business, governmental, and residential ecosystem, catering to both corporate and leisure demand. The brand’s lifestyle positioning and strong neighbourhood storytelling make it a natural fit for the New Capital’s evolving urban landscape, which is rapidly emerging as Egypt’s future administrative and commercial center. Located east of Greater Cairo, the New Capital is one of Egypt’s most significant national development projects, designed as a smart, master-planned city featuring modern infrastructure, government and diplomatic districts, premium residential communities, and large-scale commercial and mixed-use developments. With strong connectivity to Cairo via major highways and planned transport networks, alongside a growing pipeline of cultural, retail, and lifestyle destinations, the New Capital is poised to become a key demand generator for hospitality. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Egypt continues to be a priority market for IHG, and the New Capital represents a significant opportunity as the country’s future administrative and business hub. Hotel Indigo is particularly well suited to this evolving urban environment, offering a lifestyle-led experience that resonates with both business and leisure travellers. We are pleased to build on our partnership with JADEER GROUP and further strengthen our presence in this important destination. Mahmoud Abou Al Khair, Chairman of JADEER GROUP, added: “Our continued collaboration …

beOnd announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) of the Kingdom of Bahrain to explore the establishment of a Bahrain-based Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The LOI creates a framework for long-term collaboration in airline operations, workforce development, maintenance, and innovation. It reflects shared goals to boost Bahrain’s appeal as a premium destination and connecting hub between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. “Bahrain’s aviation legacy spans nearly a century and has consistently positioned the Kingdom as a regional centre of excellence in the region,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of beOnd. “Establishing a Bahrain-based airline is a natural next step in our multi-jurisdictional strategy. Together, we have the opportunity to build a premium aviation platform that strengthens connectivity, develops specialised talent, and supports innovation across the travel value chain.” “We are delighted today to sign a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, and beOnd, and we were pleased to have beOnd present with us during the launch of our national aviation strategy of the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications in the Kingdom of Bahrain. “It was an opportunity for us to showcase the partnership and to share our part in its realization. We look forward to having beOnd aircraft with a Bahraini AOC. It’s a pleasure to have beOnd as part of the aviation ecosystem and the Kingdom of Bahrain.” beOnd plans to operate and base up to ten premium-configured aircraft in Bahrain by 2030, serving high-value leisure and business markets. Over its first five years of operations in Bahrain, the airline projects a contribution …

Visit Qatar has concluded the 2026 edition of Barooq, the most prominent desert event on its calendar, amid a wide turnout and great interaction from visitors and residents throughout the winter season. The 77-day event, which concluded on 10 February, welcomed 61,121 visitors, cementing its position as one of Qatar’s top outdoor destinations during the winter. Held in the heart of Qatar’s stunning desert landscape, Barooq was distinguished by a diverse programme of adventure, culture and live entertainment. One of the key milestones was the Desert Retreat, which included the 25-metre-tall Adventure Tower, one of five new zones introduced this year, including a zip-up experience, outdoor dining areas and an ongoing programme of live performances. The ‘Film City’ area also offered a rich cultural experience, including photo opportunities with falcons, henna carving, heritage and musical performances, as well as storytelling sessions held throughout the site. The event witnessed the presentation of 539 activities and workshops, with a strong focus on family engagement through children’s programs, including puppet shows, face painting, and caricature lessons, ensuring a fun and inclusive experience for young visitors. The 2026 edition also saw the introduction of new event areas, including the Sunset Lounge, Barooq Wildlife Sanctuary, Mini Safari Cars and Family Council, expanding the range of experiences offered. The event featured 24 F&B outlets and retail outlets. Visit Qatar is committed to developing high-quality events that enrich domestic tourism, encourage repeat visits, and enhance Qatar’s calendar of events throughout the year.

Golden Sands Hotel & Residences Sharjah was recognised as ‘Sharjah’s Leading 4-Star Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “The award for Most Comfortable Hotel Apartments is a tremendous honour for us. It represents more than just recognition; it reflects our team’s dedication to creating spaces where guests truly feel at home. Our motto is Golden Sands — a home away from home. Comfort is not a trend; comfort is the foundation of hospitality.” Mohamed Gamal, Hotel Manager, Golden Sands Hotel Residences Sharjah

Emirates and Loong Air have signed an interline agreement, increasing Emirates’ footprint in China and offering the airline’s customers access to additional cities beyond its own gateways. Starting immediately, Emirates customers will have access to 22 points across China operated by Loong Air via Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The cities span several regions across East, Northeast, South, Central, and Southwest China. The partnership offers customers the simplicity of booking multi-airline itineraries with a single fare, along with one seamless baggage policy and consistent fare conditions throughout their journey. Emirates’ expanded reach in China will further enhance connectivity for leisure and business travellers alike, unlocking convenient access to key domestic hubs including Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang, and Dazhou. Tickets can be purchased on www.emirates.com, Online Travel Agencies (OTA’s) and with all major GDS’ via travel agents. Customers booking through Emirates’ official website can also enjoy the convenience of online payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. The launch of an interline agreement with Loong Air is part of Emirates’ ongoing commitment to the Chinese market. Last year, the airline launched flights to two new destinations – Shenzhen and Hangzhou, and has further enhanced its product offerings by deploying its award-winning Premium Economy on these new routes, in addition to bringing back its iconic A380 on Shanghai flights. Emirates has been operating in the Chinese mainland since 2004. Today, the airlineserves five major cities with 49 weekly flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou using a mix of A380s, A350s and Boeing 777s. In addition to Loong Air, Emirates is also partnered with Air China, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines, offering customers access to more than 110 points in China …